To whom do I make payments for the Carvel exterior signage expenditure?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
$5,000 | $15,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors | | Additional Funds - 3 | $32,500 | $50,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Us, employees, vendors, etc. | | Months 22 | | | | | | | Total Initial Investment 23 | $392,375 | $785,850 | | | |
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT: EXPRESS SHOPPE
| Amount of E | xpenditure | When | To Whom | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Expenditure | Low | High | Method of Payment | Payments Are Due | Payment Will Be Made |
| Initial Franchise Fee 1 | $10,500 | $10,500 | Lump sum | At signing of Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Construction and Build | $2,650 | $32,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Contractors |
| Out Costs 2 | |||||
| Permitting 3 | $550 | $1,100 | As incurred | Before opening | Government agencies |
| Equipment Package 4 | $23,900 | $79,570 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Millwork 5 | $1,600 | $10,600 | As incurred | Before opening | Contractors |
| Furniture 6 | $0 | $1,100 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage 7 | $550 | $1,600 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Exterior Signage 8 | $1,600 | $4,300 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Computer System 9 | $10,500 | $20,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Smallwares 10 | $650 | $1,290 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| TV/Music 11 | $1,300 | $1,400 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Architect/Engineer 12 | $550 | $5,300 | As incurred | Before opening | Architect |
| Rent 13 | $500 | $2,000 | Monthly | As arranged | Lessors |
| Grand Opening | $3,000 | $7,500 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors or |
| Marketing 14 | Us | ||||
| Legal and Accounting | $5,000 | $10,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Lawyers and accountants |
| Fees 15 | |||||
| Insurance 16 | $1,125 | $6,300 | As incurred | Before opening | Insurance companies |
| Misc. |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 42–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, payments for exterior signage are made to vendors. The expenditure for exterior signage varies depending on the type of Carvel shop you open. For a traditional Shoppe, the low end of the expenditure is $1,600 and the high end is $4,300. For a Carvel shop, the low end of the expenditure is $5,400 and the high end is $13,500. For another type of Carvel shop, the low end of the expenditure is $1,560 and the high end is $35,000. For a Hosted Express Shoppe, the low end of the expenditure is $0 and the high end is $4,300.
Exterior signage must be purchased from Carvel's approved suppliers. The cost of the exterior sign will depend on factors such as size, color, quantity, and whether backlit channel letters are used, as well as any other specifications Carvel requires.
It is important to note that these figures are estimates based on Carvel's experience. The actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the size of the shop, location, and specific requirements. Therefore, it is advisable for prospective franchisees to carefully review these estimates and discuss any concerns with Carvel before making a final decision.